Stewart Kershaw, the longtime music director and conductor of the Pacific Northwest Ballet orchestra, today resigned from his post.

Kershaw, a native of Oxford, England, previously served as music director of Stuttgart Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet. He has been with PNB since 1983. In 1997, he helped found the Auburn Symphony Orchestra in South King County; he plans to remain as music director of that organization.

In a written statement, Kershaw said, "Please understand that I am now 68, have been a professional ballet conductor for the last 43 years, and recently completed 25 seasons as PNB's Music Director.

"In planning my departure from the ballet world I wanted to make my own personal farewell on a high note with music that has always been so very dear to my heart — what better then than Prokofiev's 'Romeo & Juliet' as my swan song?" PNB's "Roméo et Juliette" closed Oct. 4.

PNB artistic director Peter Boal lauded Kershaw in today's announcement: "I was deeply saddened by the news of Stewart Kershaw's choice to resign as our principal conductor and music director, Stewart's contribution to PNB over the past 25 years has been tremendous. It is with great pride that we recognize the consistent brilliance of the PNB Orchestra, knowing that we owe its accomplishment to Stewart's guidance and inspiration. Though he will be missed in the pit, we know that his standard of excellence will continue to benefit PNB far into the future."

By Seattle Times staff